Idaho Student Says Teacher Tossed His Mexican Flag In The Trash

[JanetElaine]

CL, you cannot take a few articles and make an assumption on the whole of Americans.

Not being from the US either I can definitly see some of the points CL is making. It is hard to convey these to Americans though because y'all look with different eyes. Americans are not much loved in Europe and that is based on a few articles that make the news. My own friends and family back home are full of skewered views. Of course not every single American is bad. But that is the general, biased opinion abroad. And of course you will find many people in Europe who do *not* feel that way. Even that is a generalisation. But there are very many who do.

Here's a little story: when 9/11 happened, a coworker of mine wanted to interview my American husband for our newspaper, just to get some inside views of an American about this attack on his country. My husband would *not* do it, because he was too scared of drawing attention to himself as 'an American'. He was afraid of who all it might bring out of the woodwork.
And that was his same stance as before 9/11, he wasn't scared because of that. It's just that he had seen, felt and experienced the anti-American negativity and even though he is proud to be an American he did not feel the urge to shout it off the rooftops there. And this was in a rural part of a country that is well known for it's tolerance (unless you actually know the country from the inside ).

Do I agree with this attitude (not hubby's, but the generalisation)? Most definitely not. First off I don't like generalisations, I look at individuals. But, a lot of people are guilty of doing it, both ways I might add. I have been Don Quichote and fought the windmills of generalisation back home. I gave up. You can't change people's opinions if they're hell bent to believe a few articles. But the fact is, a lot of people go by those few articles. And that is definitely causing anti-Americanism abroad, and I can see the points CL is making. I've heard the comments myself, about 'wanting to live there' and being crazy to move over here.

 

[Jeana (DP)]

Not being from the US either I can definitly see some of the points CL is making. It is hard to convey these to Americans though because y'all look with different eyes. Americans are not much loved in Europe and that is based on a few articles that make the news. My own friends and family back home are full of skewered views. Of course not every single American is bad. But that is the general, biased opinion abroad. And of course you weill find many people in Europe who do *not* feel that way. Even that is a generalisation.

Americans are not well liked until they're needed to do thing that those in Europe don't seem to be able to handle on their own. Not for nothin, but many Americans don't feel all that much about Europeans. I don't see the everyday American voicing concern and disdain, however, about what Europeans are doing on a daily basis. Maybe Europeans should just stop paying attention to what America does and worry about their own problems????? It seems to me, they've got enough to deal with.

 

[JanetElaine]

Americans are not well liked until they're needed to do thing that those in Europe don't seem to be able to handle on their own. Not for nothin, but many Americans don't feel all that much about Europeans. I don't see the everyday American voicing concern and disdain, however, about what Europeans are doing on a daily basis. Maybe Europeans should just stop paying attention to what America does and worry about their own problems????? It seems to me, they've got enough to deal with.

That's why I said, the generalisation goes both ways. I have not experienced the negativity here that my husband did though.

I always snicker when all of a sudden something they (Europe) want or think they need comes from the US and they're more than happy to take it, then turn around and continue their -what I see as- bashing. The loudmouths don't even see how hypocrite they are.

And then there are other movements who indeed don't want anything to do with the US - they're the ones that are calling for what you said: cut some ties with the US and let's just please pay attention to our own problems.

But then again the same kind of people voice their concern here in the US: there are enough problems here that should be dealt with, why the heck are we still in Iraq? KWIM? It's a vicious cycle and until people try to quit generalising it won't go away. So I'm betting on it not going away. That's why I hate politics, lol.

 

[Yeah me]

Janet, I know Americans aren't viewed very well abroad. I'm really not kidding myself in that regard. Not to turn this political, but the decline started when Bush took office. It's just killing me with the NOT US and WE NEVER attitude that CL has taken on. That and the blanket statments....

I'm hoping our next president can turn things around about how we're viewed. When 9/11 happened, we had an out pouring of support. Today, I'm not so sure that support would be forthcoming.

:blowkiss:

 

[absinthe]

Janet, I know Americans aren't viewed very well abroad. I'm really not kidding myself in that regard. Not to turn this political, but the decline started when Bush took office. It's just killing me with the NOT US and WE NEVER attitude that CL has taken on. That and the blanket statments....

I'm hoping our next president can turn things around about how we're viewed. When 9/11 happened, we had an out pouring of support. Today, I'm not so sure that support would be forthcoming.

:blowkiss:

Yup. Agree with all that you wrote.

JE, it's Cyber's superior, snooty tone that bugs. It's certainly true that Americans are viewed negatively by much of the world. But seems to think that that is okay, or even impressive.

 

[JanetElaine]

Janet, I know Americans aren't viewed very well abroad. I'm really not kidding myself in that regard. Not to turn this political, but the decline started when Bush took office. It's just killing me with the NOT US and WE NEVER attitude that CL has taken on. That and the blanket statments....

I'm hoping our next president can turn things around about how we're viewed. When 9/11 happened, we had an out pouring of support. Today, I'm not so sure that support would be forthcoming.

:blowkiss:

You're completely correct.... I do stay away from politics but I do think it was during Bush as well. And the last part, I think you're right... and it just breaks my heart to be honest. I have people both here and in Europe that I love dearly and the generalisations both ways (although much more towards the US) just suck. It's seems like I always get annoyed with someone, LOL! That's why I steer clear of such things usually.

 

[jubie]

Well I'm a Canadian and although I love Canada it is far from what I would consider perfect. We're soft on criminals and our sex offenders have more rights than children. Every party while in government seems to embarass us somehow... did you all see the BC's Gordan Campbell's mug shot for DUI while in Hawaii... OH (my God!) Canada!!

Anyway we all have issues within our countries so I won't bash the states.... besides you guys have DISNEYLAND!!! We loooove it!:woohoo:



Jubie

 

[Jeana (DP)]

That's why I said, the generalisation goes both ways. I have not experienced the negativity here that my husband did though.

I always snicker when all of a sudden something they (Europe) want or think they need comes from the US and they're more than happy to take it, then turn around and continue their -what I see as- bashing. The loudmouths don't even see how hypocrite they are.

And then there are other movements who indeed don't want anything to do with the US - they're the ones that are calling for what you said: cut some ties with the US and let's just please pay attention to our own problems.

But then again the same kind of people voice their concern here in the US: there are enough problems here that should be dealt with, why the heck are we still in Iraq? KWIM? It's a vicious cycle and until people try to quit generalising it won't go away. So I'm betting on it not going away. That's why I hate politics, lol.

I'm one of those who felt we never should have been in Iraq to begin with!! I'd personally like to stay out of every other country's problems, unless of course they need humanitarian aid or something like that. I think that any country, like the United States, who is seen as such a force is going to be both beloved and hated by people no matter what.

 

[Jeana (DP)]

Well I'm a Canadian and although I love Canada it is far from what I would consider perfect. We're soft on criminals and our sex offenders have more rights than children. Every party while in government seems to embarass us somehow... did you all see the BC's Gordan Campbell's mug shot for DUI while in Hawaii... OH (my God!) Canada!!

Anyway we all have issues within our countries so I won't bash the states.... besides you guys have DISNEYLAND!!! We loooove it!:woohoo:



Jubie

I just heard on the news that a train in Canada has been quarantined with several hundred people on because of some illness. I hope that they can figure out what's going on soon and that no one else comes down with it. Let us know if you hear about anything more definate, would you? This is pretty worrysome.

 

[absinthe]

Well I'm a Canadian and although I love Canada it is far from what I would consider perfect. We're soft on criminals and our sex offenders have more rights than children. Every party while in government seems to embarass us somehow... did you all see the BC's Gordan Campbell's mug shot for DUI while in Hawaii... OH (my God!) Canada!!

Anyway we all have issues within our countries so I won't bash the states.... besides you guys have DISNEYLAND!!! We loooove it!:woohoo:



Jubie

:blowkiss: Jubie
I adore Canada!

 

[Filly]

"Despite local radio personalities encouraging Latino students to wear green and red clothing to school and to carry Mexican flags to silently protest the students at Minico High School remained orderly" Gotta love the media. I'd say these radio personalities are trying to incite a riot. Are they trying to encourage all Latino students to wear Mexican colors? I know some Puerto Rican's that would cringe at that idea. http://www.southidahopress.com/articles/2008/05/08/news/local/9452mexicanflag.txt

 

[Filly]

Because it doesn't exist in modern day.

Yeah it does, Karole up the street from me. Almost a half a block of Palastine up there.

 

[MeoW333]

Since we live in America, we have should try to respect other's rights. If someone wants to wave a Mexican, Irish, Confederate, Canadian, Isreali flags, then they have that right. We don't have to agree with everything or other flags. Yet other people deserve the respect to carry what flag they want. If we wanted to carry a flag of something we identified with, and others wouldn't let us, then we would feel the same way this boy did, especially if the teacher threw it in the garbage. The teacher should have handled the situation differently, removing the stick dangerous part, letting the boy keep the cloth flag. Then there would be no issue whatsoever as it would be clear he did it so it wouldn't be dangerous.

 

[jubie]

Jeanna, kind of you to ask. A woman has passed away on the train but it has been ruled as nothing to due with the others being ill so my understanding is there is no longer a huge worry. Phew. My hubby has to travel to the area on Monday.

Absinthe, Thanks You're so sweet! I have always had a positive experience in the US. Also as a family we have been to several countries and I din't feel the need to announce at every turn I was Canadian. I found whether someone was kind or rude had to do with them and not what country we had arrived from.


I guess just looking at the responses within this thread you could do the math and see there is more than a single way of looking at a country. I try to be respectful and kind of any new person I meet regardless of where I am.


Jubie

 

[Filly]

Since we live in America, we have should try to respect other's rights. If someone wants to wave a Mexican, Irish, Confederate, Canadian, Isreali flags, then they have that right. We don't have to agree with everything or other flags. Yet other people deserve the respect to carry what flag they want. If we wanted to carry a flag of something we identified with, and others wouldn't let us, then we would feel the same way this boy did, especially if the teacher threw it in the garbage. The teacher should have handled the situation differently, removing the stick dangerous part, letting the boy keep the cloth flag. Then there would be no issue whatsoever as it would be clear he did it so it wouldn't be dangerous.

MeoW, do we definately know there was a stick on the flag? That is not why the teacher took the flag. His stance was so there wouldn't be any fighting. Is this true or not? We don't know. Of course respect other people's rights and cultures. Absolutely, but in school it's a different story. If any old day any kid could go in there waving around anything he wanted to you're going to have tension and a potential fight. Meanwhile it's sad that some people that immigrate here don't respect the USA. The morning that the Twin Towers were brought to the ground many of my neighbors quickly went to our children's schools. That included Palastinian neighbors. Granted these neighbors were fearful. However as many came outside in horror and crying this one woman said and I was there "Now you people know what my people suffered everyday" and off she got in her caravan line with the rest of her "people" and they are her words not mine. Later that day when she exited her home again with her kids her next door neighbor said she should apologize and she responded "For what? You people deserved that". Very respectful person living in the good old USA. Ya know what? Don't like me or my country, but having the audacity to almost take glee in the murder of innocent people?

 

[Jeana (DP)]

Since we live in America, we have should try to respect other's rights. If someone wants to wave a Mexican, Irish, Confederate, Canadian, Isreali flags, then they have that right. We don't have to agree with everything or other flags. Yet other people deserve the respect to carry what flag they want. If we wanted to carry a flag of something we identified with, and others wouldn't let us, then we would feel the same way this boy did, especially if the teacher threw it in the garbage. The teacher should have handled the situation differently, removing the stick dangerous part, letting the boy keep the cloth flag. Then there would be no issue whatsoever as it would be clear he did it so it wouldn't be dangerous.

Yes, absolutely. BUT NOT at school.

 

[Jeana (DP)]

Jeanna, kind of you to ask. A man has passed away on the train but it has been ruled as nothing to due with the others being ill so my understanding is there is no longer a huge worry. Phew. My hubby has to travel to the area on Monday.

Thanks Jubie. I was thinking how bad it would suck to be stuck on that train longer than absolutely necessary, especially if one was concerned about airbourne infections!!!! Prayers for that man's family and friends.

 

[Rino]

MeoW, do we definately know there was a stick on the flag? That is not why the teacher took the flag. His stance was so there wouldn't be any fighting. Is this true or not? We don't know. Of course respect other people's rights and cultures. Absolutely, but in school it's a different story. If any old day any kid could go in there waving around anything he wanted to you're going to have tension and a potential fight. Meanwhile it's sad that some people that immigrate here don't respect the USA. The morning that the Twin Towers were brought to the ground many of my neighbors quickly went to our children's schools. That included Palastinian neighbors. Granted these neighbors were fearful. However as many came outside in horror and crying this one woman said and I was there "Now you people know what my people suffered everyday" and off she got in her caravan line with the rest of her "people" and they are her words not mine. Later that day when she exited her home again with her kids her next door neighbor said she should apologize and she responded "For what? You people deserved that". Very respectful person living in the good old USA. Ya know what? Don't like me or my country, but having the audacity to almost take glee in the murder of innocent people?

It's shameful, isn't it. I can't understand for the life of me why anyone who hates is here stays here

 

[Jeana (DP)]

It's shameful, isn't it. I can't understand for the life of me why anyone who hates is here stays here

Because if they said it in their own country, they would be hanged in the square or get their head chopped off. Bashing America is easy. There's no sport in it. Not saying that we don't have plenty wrong with us, but I'd die to preserve our way of life. While I 100% support everyone respecting their own country, if you say horrible things about mine, I'm most likely gonna go ape chit on ya. I've been to several other countries and while they're all nice, I don't see millions of people risking it all to get there. We can't be all that bad.

 

[oceanblueeyes]

Janet, I know Americans aren't viewed very well abroad. I'm really not kidding myself in that regard. Not to turn this political, but the decline started when Bush took office. It's just killing me with the NOT US and WE NEVER attitude that CL has taken on. That and the blanket statments....

I'm hoping our next president can turn things around about how we're viewed. When 9/11 happened, we had an out pouring of support. Today, I'm not so sure that support would be forthcoming.

:blowkiss:

I really don't think the world's perception of Americans has anything to do with Bush per se.......he just adds to an already damaged reputation.

We have long been seen as the society fixated on shallow things. Sex, drugs, booze, parties, material possessions and Hollywood groupy types.

Of course this perception is wrong because that is not what all Americans are about but the world gets their view of us through our media, movies and television so it is easy, even though somewhat faulty, to see why we are not respected whatsoever and have many who have such great disdain for Americans.

imoo